LASEK (Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial
Keratomileusis) is a relatively new procedure that combines the
benefits of LASIK and PRK. LASEK is a refractive surgery
technique developed by Italian doctor, Massimo Camellin, MD and
first publicized in 1999. The motivation behind LASEK was to
find a surface ablation technique like PRK that induced less
discomfort, offers a lower incidence of corneal haze, and
provides the patient with faster vision recovery

Patients generally have had marvelous results with LASEK
eye surgery. The benefits of LASEK eye surgery include a
laser eye surgery option to patients who are not good
candidates for LASIK.

This type of laser vision correction does not
require any corneal incision at all. A mild alcohol solution is
placed on the corneal to loosen the top layer of tissue. Only
the most superficial layer of the cornea is gently brushed
aside. This thin flap is then replaced after the laser reshaping
is complete. Less tissue is removed than with traditional Lasik.
Patients with thin corneas, or patients who have had previous
vision correction such as RK, can possibly now have laser vision
correction safely performed. Healing may be faster than with
traditional PRK.

To treat nearsightedness, the cornea is made flatter by
removing tissue from the center of the cornea.

To treat farsightedness, the flat cornea is made steeper
by removing peripheral tissue in a ring shape on the outer edges
of the cornea. This steepens the central visual part of the
cornea.

To treat astigmatism, the cornea is made less oval
shaped. Astigmatism means that the eye has an oval or football
shape. The laser reduces the oval shape making the focusing
ability clear in all directions. Astigmatism can be treated at
the same time as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Patients generally have had marvelous results with LASEK eye
surgery. The benefits of LASEK eye surgery include a laser eye
surgery option for patients who ay not be good candidates for
LASIK.